Variability and genotype × cutting interactions for different nutritional components in Chenopodium album L.

Abstract

Thirteen germplasm lines of vegetable Chenopodium (C. album) were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications to estimate the foliage yield and its seven contributing quality traits for three successive cuttings. The variability present in vegetable Chenopodium and interactions operating at various levels were also studied. The mean foliage yield was maximum for CA-II (3.03 ± 0.39 kg/plot), followed by CA-VII (2.94 ± 0.27 kg/plot) and CA-VI (2.41 ± 0.20 kg/plot). Moisture content showed a constant decrease in all germplasm lines with successive cuttings except for CA-IX in 3^rd cutting. Protein content exhibited a strong trend of increase with each successive cutting and was maximum in 3^rd cutting. Protein content showed the highest heritability in 1^st cutting (96.35%) while the values were highest for ascorbic acid in 2^nd and 3^rd cutting. The carotenoid content and ascorbic acid exhibited consistently high genetic gain in all the three cuttings.